If you have not seen coach Leon on the fields lately, it has been because he was selected by the DPL League, in which Inter CT are new members, to take the 2010 All Star team. The team of 22 players was chosen by DPL representatives who vote on the best players who attended last year's DPL Summit and Showcase events. 

Having arrived in Barcelona on Sunday 24th, Leon got to meet the players and the families who had representation from all over the United States. There were players from California, New Mexico, Arizona, Idaho, North Carolina, South Carolina, Florida, Maine and a girl from our Connecticut rival's Ginga FC.

Monday saw the first practice where coach Leon had the task of getting to know players, and positions and have the girls know each other whilst providing the topic of playing out the back at the Almeida first team stadium, a third tier team in Barcelona. Luckily the recruitment team had done a great job in ensuring two sets of balanced teams, and with the girls eating together after practice the team were able to rest up, get used to their surroundings and prepare for the first game against FC Reus. Full of excitement, the DPL 2010 Perform team got off to a great start with a number of shots and breakaways which the Reus goalkeeper, who was having a great game, managed to save. 

With the second group coming on after the 20 minute mark, the DPL Perform team managed to get a goal off a corner and it was clear that there was going to be no drop off in quality as the second group continued to pepper the goal with no avail.

Half time came and it was clear that the trip abroad was providing some great experience for the 14 year olds. Discussions on how the other team hold, delay our free kicks, and set up for set pieces were had. There was also the observation that the Spanish team bring in their full backs to overload the midfield and how to combat that.

With an 8:30pm game, and jet lag still a factor, the DPL Perform group did not have such an impact in the the second half and Reus managed to score a good goal in the second half. The DPL team did have a couple of really good chances at the end but the score remained 1-1 and the DPL team came off happy having played a great game, learned a new style and more importantly got to play with new players from across the United States. 

Tuesday saw the team’s second training session, which was able to be a higher intensity due to no game in the evening. The reason for no game is because all five DPL Perform teams ( 2011 - 2007 ) attended the Barcelona Champions League game against FC Brest of France. Watching the game, the players and Coach Leon were able to see how Brest were frustrating Barcelona with resolute defending. Something that will be needed on the Wednesday as the team play Espanyol, on of the best Spanish Academy teams.

Wednesdays training session was all business as the girls worked on defending individually, in pairs, as a unit of 4 and within multiple units and was at the Club Esportiu Europa who had just drawn La Liga team, Las Palma’s in the Spanish Cup. 

The afternoon was spent at Camp Nou to see the progress on Barca’s new 105,000 seat stadium plus a trip to the FC Barcelona museum. 

The Espanyol game was held at their prestigious training facility. The girls enjoyed the locker room before the game and fact that the game was held on the first team training pitch which had a small stadium. The quality of Espanyol’s players was clear to see, but the defending session earlier in the day paid dividends with the DPL team staying in the game at 1-0 at the half. A 30 yard screamer, and a well worked corner routine increased Espanyol’s lead before the DPL team fought back with a couple of half chances. The two groups of 11 were different from the previous night and we could see a couple of good relationships developing between the players that had met each other just 72 hours earlier. 

The 9pm game against Espanyol meant many stayed in bed the next morning until the 10:15am practice, which Coach Leon had to ensure was upbeat and focused on the final third and finishing. Straight after practice the group took the 1.5 hour trip to the beautiful city of Girona, where Game of Thrones was filmed. After some sightseeing the 2010’s sat down for team dinner before the last game of the trip. 

Again, another fantastic facility awaited the girls with a small stadium and locker rooms. The team, once again mixed up and ensuring everyone got a start were energized by the fact that they were playing their last game in Spain were terrific, putting into practice many of the elements from the previous trainings. A slip at the back, however allowed a good Girona team to capitalize to go 1-0 up. Another very hard shot from just inside the area doubled the lead and the girls had to work hard to ensure heads did not go down. Enjoying much of the better play, the DPL Perform team were encouraged and got a goal back just before half time.

The second half saw both groups of 11 players contribute with some great team play. The camaradrie that had developed off the field was starting to show. The first group scored a goal just before they came off to tie the game up at 2-2, then after what seemed like the DPL had missed their chance to win the game after a wwonderful crossed free kicked had three players all miss the ball, the next play saw the DPL 2010 Perform team score the winning goal with four minutes remaining, much to the delight of all 22 players, and the families in the stands.

With much singing and laughter on the way home, it was clear that the newly formed and one off team had really gelled and this was becoming a trip of a lifetime for all the families involved.

Thursday saw Coach Leon take a rest as the girls had a social media day with fun games provided by local Spanish coaches. All can be seen on the DPL Instagram @DP_League The afternoon had the group go to the mountainous region of Monserat to see the great views. 

Saturday was free time to explore Barcelona and ended with the end of trip party with food, end of trip awards and a fun disco which had Coach Leon showing off his moves!!!

The conclusion is that this trip will be a wonderful experience for any Inter CT girl that gets nominated as part of our participation in the DPL Soccer League this year. The DPL continues to show us that it’s THROUGH SUPERIOR EXPERIENCES, PLAYERS WILL BE ABLE TO SHOWCASE THEIR TALENT, DISCOVER COLLEGIATE OPPORTUNITIES AND CREATE COMMUNITY AROUND THE GAME. 

We can’t wait for our girls to have this opportunity.